2024 NBA Season

[Yamifoud]

Lots of criticism on Lebron now that the Lakers are already out in the play-in contention, people reacted when Lebron did not play on a very important game. We all know that he is injured but other greats like Kobe would still choose to play just to help the team, Lebron just sits and is even seen laughing even though his team is on the brink of losing the chance.

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[LogitechMouse]

Yet another super ugly loss by the Chicago Bulls, I just don’t understand why these guys simply can’t beat any good teams at all. Thankfully they haven’t lost even more games or they’d be in the unfortunate position of having to face off versus either the play-in teams like the Nets might be or fall so far they’d have to face one of the very top teams in the east (Philadelphia 76rs, Milwaukee Bucks etc). I still have little faith they can do anything else other than maybe win one series, no way they can win two.

Unfortunately, that is the reason why most of people including analysts and me as well are saying that the Bulls can't survive the first round of the playoffs.
They said this because of their horrible record against the top teams. Now the Bulls are at the 6th place and there is a chance that they might go even to the 7th position if they will loss in their final 2 games and the Cavaliers will win in their final 2 games and the Cavaliers won against them since they will be having a tie record.

You still have faith in them and its understandable but for me, just by seeing how they are performing this past few weeks and how they are playing against the top teams I don't have any faith in them or I'm not expecting them to pass the first round. Injuries and their performance against top teams is the reason why they are like this right now that the season is ending. If they will fall in 6th or 7th, they can't beat the Celtics or the Sixers. Just my opinion though.

[Oasisman]

Yet another super ugly loss by the Chicago Bulls, I just don’t understand why these guys simply can’t beat any good teams at all. Thankfully they haven’t lost even more games or they’d be in the unfortunate position of having to face off versus either the play-in teams like the Nets might be or fall so far they’d have to face one of the very top teams in the east (Philadelphia 76rs, Milwaukee Bucks etc). I still have little faith they can do anything else other than maybe win one series, no way they can win two.

As much as I want them to experience the Finals this year, but it seems like they lost the momentum they had early this season. And they're going to face either the Bucks, Phila, or Celtics. That's some tough opponent right there and I have a bad feeling they'll be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
They had a good season early though. They were better against everyone in the league at one point.

[Japinat]

Imagine how great they will be if Leonard will come back.
Also, in that article it was stated that coach Ty Lue might win the coach of the year award this season, I think he deserves that one.

Let's see, but whether no Leonard, I still believe that Clippers are capable of making a surprise in the playoffs.

It depends on your expectation, if they believe that the Clippers will not pass the first round and yet they did, then that is a surprise.

Yet another super ugly loss by the Chicago Bulls, I just don’t understand why these guys simply can’t beat any good teams at all. Thankfully they haven’t lost even more games or they’d be in the unfortunate position of having to face off versus either the play-in teams like the Nets might be or fall so far they’d have to face one of the very top teams in the east (Philadelphia 76rs, Milwaukee Bucks etc). I still have little faith they can do anything else other than maybe win one series, no way they can win two.

As much as I want them to experience the Finals this year, but it seems like they lost the momentum they had early this season. And they're going to face either the Bucks, Phila, or Celtics. That's some tough opponent right there and I have a bad feeling they'll be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
They had a good season early though. They were better against everyone in the league at one point.

It's hard to trust a team that is struggling now, that would not change right away, especially in the playoffs.
To be honest, I'd rather trust a team that starts with struggling early in the season but were able improve as the season is ending.

[freedomgo]

Brooklyn Nets defeated New York Knicks 110-98. Durant scored 32 points and Irving 24 points and became the two top scorers of the team. When these two players are together, the team can play quite well.
The game went pretty close until the last quarter, but in the final period the Nets players played very well and widened the gap, the New York Knicks could have won this game

I don't want to down New York Knicks but they are not a good basis to show off strenght because they are not the best on the league or even qualified on the Playoffs. Nets is surely strong but they are still losing even with KD and Irving when they are against strong team such as Bucks, Celtics and even Grizzlies. I still doubtful that they can win the championship because there’s a lot of team right now that has a consistent solid games all through out this season.

Same here, they still lack in terms of their defensive capabilities because I'm seeing that almost all of them are focus or built in offensive plays and that's why they are still losing some games against the heavy teams in the league. KD+Irving alone can dominate while they are in the offensive but what about their defense or turnovers. That's where they're vulnerable.

And then they have this man on their team:

Nets head coach Steve Nash ruled former Sixer Ben Simmons out for the remainder of the regular season and the play-in tournament, meaning Simmons won't play until at least April 16

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/nets-steve-nash-says-ben-simmons-out-nba-play-tournament

[Pamadar]

Yet another super ugly loss by the Chicago Bulls, I just don’t understand why these guys simply can’t beat any good teams at all. Thankfully they haven’t lost even more games or they’d be in the unfortunate position of having to face off versus either the play-in teams like the Nets might be or fall so far they’d have to face one of the very top teams in the east (Philadelphia 76rs, Milwaukee Bucks etc). I still have little faith they can do anything else other than maybe win one series, no way they can win two.

As much as I want them to experience the Finals this year, but it seems like they lost the momentum they had early this season. And they're going to face either the Bucks, Phila, or Celtics. That's some tough opponent right there and I have a bad feeling they'll be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
They had a good season early though. They were better against everyone in the league at one point.

Same goes with other exciting teams, injuries kill the fun. They really have a good start but are unable to continue the rally,

Now the chance for the semis is really tough for them, facing any of those 3 top teams will be a big challenge for the Bulls
though it's not bad since after long years of absence in the playoff, they are now back and still have that chance to compete
in chasing this year's title.

[mirakal]

The big question mark on the Nets to me is Ben Simmons.  If he can come back healthy I think the Nets have a big advantage over other teams.  If not, they're going to have to rely on Durant and hope he can get them to the promise land.  He missed it last year by toenail being on the 3 point line.  He alone could carry the team without Ben and Kyrie, but hopefully he won't have to.

Since Coach Nash already told that Simmons will be ruled out for the rest of the season including the playoffs. this will be applied next season. How will Ben fits for the team really is a big question mark for now.

Its a high risk high reward for me. If Ben will fit for the team then they already have another perimeter defender and at the same time passer. Never mind the shooting since it wasn't his strength though I'm not saying that he mustn't improve his shooting skills. On the other hand though if Ben isn't fit for the team, they need to trade him again and well no one would like to get a player who didn't play for a whole season and no shooting skills at all. Well there might be some but his value might get lower.

I'm hoping that next season, Ben, Kyrie and Kevin Durant will be a good trio that can lead the Nets team.

Steve Nash just said that Ben Simmons is ruled out for the rest of regular seasons and play-in tournament. He didn't said that for the whole season including the playoffs if they can have a seat.

It's true that having Ben Simmons is a risky move to them especially if he's actually going to play in the playoffs and not in the regular season where his skills in the team or he will be fit or not should be tested first. However, they haven't much of a choice now if they want to be the champion this season because they are really vulnerable in their defense and having Simmons can somehow provide that role. If indeed Simmons will fit in their system then that would really advance them and help the present duo.

[stadus]

The Suns emerged victorious from the Lakers game that LeBron James did not play. With 63 wins in 79 matches the Suns broke the organizational record. The Lakers on the other hand have suffered 48 losses in 79 games this season with poor performance. With this result the LA team did not have a chance to Play-in and said goodbye to the season.

The Lakers are honestly so bad this season, it's not funny.

There is a real chance that LeBron/AD leaves this offseason through a trade of sorts. I'm not sure why any other team would take them but they would potentially offer some upside for championship contenders that have the cap space.

Either way, at least the other L.A. team (Clippers) will be making the play-in tournament. Hopefully they can win a few series.

On the contrary, I think Lebron/AD will stay as long as there will be a bug shuffle on the players and even at the coaching staff because this season was really a disaster for them. In the beginning, they are one of the favorites but badluck, injuries and then chemistry issues.

For the other LA team, for sure with Paul George back, they will have a good chance to make it to the playoff again.

On the Lakers note, They should start shuffling there players especially there bench players that is not contributing enough on the game. Bron sacrifice to lower his salary just to acquire some of the overrated players is just a waste this season. They should start investing again on young talents and develop them until the playoffs. That’s what they do on there first championship until this major acquisition of veteran players that’s not useful.

If they only have patience to develop their young core before for sure they will not go unto this situation which end up miserable to them. Look what happen to the career of those young star they trade from various teams they are performing so well on their teams and if Lakers just hold them for sure they provably not struggle to find reliable rooster to fit on their system.

Surely they had a bad season and that certain fault doesn't fall on the roster alone because the coaching staff also played a huge role that leaded them where they are now. Such a waste to see those talents who were with them when they achieved and won the championship last 2020 and traded them afterwards in-exchange for these overrated players that isn't contributing well.

[Pulsar77]

And Los Angeles Lakers have lost their chance for the playoffs officially after losing to Phoenix Suns by 121-110. Spurs continued to win and even defeated Denver Nuggets away in their last game. I think that this is definitely a deserved playoff ticket for them now. Lakers were already not deserving to qualify for it by that inadequate level of team play and performance. Lebron tried to carry the team during the whole regular season but it wasn't enough of course. Lakers shouldn't continue with the same lineup next season.

[Captain Corporate]

 Westbrook for Wall is getting bigger talks these days as well. I do not think that it would help lakers at all, sure Wall may not shoot as much as Westbrook but he hasn't played meaningful minutes for so long, and I do not think that he could really help them elevate their team neither. Maybe the only thing they need is just to reroll the same roster? I know that is not a popular idea but they played one season where they learned how they are, keep the current roster, add in a few players from free agency and remove some useless ones and then reroll the team again? Westbrook-Lebron-AD trio didn't look good at all this year, but if you give them one more season, maybe they will be better? I mean there is no guarantee that they will be bad or good, we just need to wait and see, I still feel like there is no need for major changes like blowing it up and tanking or something.

[Reid]

Yet another super ugly loss by the Chicago Bulls, I just don’t understand why these guys simply can’t beat any good teams at all. Thankfully they haven’t lost even more games or they’d be in the unfortunate position of having to face off versus either the play-in teams like the Nets might be or fall so far they’d have to face one of the very top teams in the east (Philadelphia 76rs, Milwaukee Bucks etc). I still have little faith they can do anything else other than maybe win one series, no way they can win two.

They were hit by injuries. That's one reason I could see into why they keep on losing against strong teams. If it ain't Lonzo, it will LaVine or Caruso.
There is no consistency with their roster and I bet that's what makes them weaker. DeRozan cannot shoulder everything and LaVine should be back on the energetic type of a player.
7 points in 27 minutes is not a good number. Lack of roleplayers could also be their difference with other teams. If their stars sits, it gets uglier.

[Ziskinberg]

And Los Angeles Lakers have lost their chance for the playoffs officially after losing to Phoenix Suns by 121-110. Spurs continued to win and even defeated Denver Nuggets away in their last game. I think that this is definitely a deserved playoff ticket for them now. Lakers were already not deserving to qualify for it by that inadequate level of team play and performance. Lebron tried to carry the team during the whole regular season but it wasn't enough of course. Lakers shouldn't continue with the same lineup next season.

Lebron should not only be the one to carry the team, he is not the only superstar, he also has Westbrook who is also a hall famer. What they lack is the chemistry and some role players who can work with the system but their time is over, so maybe next season we won't see some of the players anymore because they will try to rebuild with no Westbrook probably.

[btc_angela]

And Los Angeles Lakers have lost their chance for the playoffs officially after losing to Phoenix Suns by 121-110. Spurs continued to win and even defeated Denver Nuggets away in their last game. I think that this is definitely a deserved playoff ticket for them now. Lakers were already not deserving to qualify for it by that inadequate level of team play and performance. Lebron tried to carry the team during the whole regular season but it wasn't enough of course. Lakers shouldn't continue with the same lineup next season.

Lebron should not only be the one to carry the team, he is not the only superstar, he also has Westbrook who is also a hall famer. What they lack is the chemistry and some role players who can work with the system but their time is over, so maybe next season we won't see some of the players anymore because they will try to rebuild with no Westbrook probably.

For sure they will shop Westbrook around and find a team for him because it didn't work for the Lakers. Just imagine though if Lebron and Westbrook will just have a good chemistry and win a ring together, they could have been working together until they retire. Anyhow, one of the top 75 players in the NBA of all time, a lot of accomplishments, but still doesn't have a ring for Westbrook.

[Maslate]

And Los Angeles Lakers have lost their chance for the playoffs officially after losing to Phoenix Suns by 121-110. Spurs continued to win and even defeated Denver Nuggets away in their last game. I think that this is definitely a deserved playoff ticket for them now. Lakers were already not deserving to qualify for it by that inadequate level of team play and performance. Lebron tried to carry the team during the whole regular season but it wasn't enough of course. Lakers shouldn't continue with the same lineup next season.

Lebron should not only be the one to carry the team, he is not the only superstar, he also has Westbrook who is also a hall famer. What they lack is the chemistry and some role players who can work with the system but their time is over, so maybe next season we won't see some of the players anymore because they will try to rebuild with no Westbrook probably.

For sure they will shop Westbrook around and find a team for him because it didn't work for the Lakers. Just imagine though if Lebron and Westbrook will just have a good chemistry and win a ring together, they could have been working together until they retire.

They will get a bunch of players in exchange for Westbrook because that's what they needed right now.
Work together as a team and back again next season, AD has to strengthen himself as well so he will not easily be injured.

Anyhow, one of the top 75 players in the NBA of all time, a lot of accomplishments, but still doesn't have a ring for Westbrook.

Too bad for him, that really differs him from CP3 although the same did not won a championship but he lead his team to the franchise best record in the regular season.

CP3 led the following teams for their best franchise record based on what I read.

Hornets
Clippers
Rockets
and now Suns.

[dwyane36]

It's true that having Ben Simmons is a risky move to them especially if he's actually going to play in the playoffs and not in the regular season where his skills in the team or he will be fit or not should be tested first. However, they haven't much of a choice now if they want to be the champion this season because they are really vulnerable in their defense and having Simmons can somehow provide that role. If indeed Simmons will fit in their system then that would really advance them and help the present duo.

By the way, I recently saw a video in which Ben Simmons airballed a few free throws during the Nets practice, and it means that he is still far from his former playing shape. Honestly, I even doubt that Simmons might be helpful for his new teammates even if he is fully healthy during the playoff series.

[OgNasty]

Looks like the Lakers released Trevor Ariza today.  I'm not sure why they had such high hopes of him making a difference when it was obvious while he was with the Suns that his career in the NBA should be over. 

A lot of talk about what the Lakers are going to do with Russell Westbrook has already started.  They're saying the Lakers may release him and take a 15 million dollar hit to their salary cap for the next 3 years, or they are now discussing a trade with Charlotte where Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier end up on the Lakers...  Not sure if that would be any better, but maybe they could trade them easier than Westbrook.  It would be great if LaMelo wanted to be a Laker and get himself in that trade, but I don't think the Hornets are going to let him go for anything.

[agustina2]

By the way, I recently saw a video in which Ben Simmons airballed a few free throws during the Nets practice, and it means that he is still far from his former playing shape. Honestly, I even doubt that Simmons might be helpful for his new teammates even if he is fully healthy during the playoff series.

He doesn't have shooting skills, to begin with. His specialty was playmaking, passing ability, athleticism attacking the hoop, and quickness. He will be helpful for the Nets just as he showed it to the Sixers.

A healthy Ben Simmons is dangerous, mate. We have already seen how good he is when he's in best mode. What more if he's good at shooting.

We can't speculate right away if Ben Simmons is not a good help. We will see it next season as I think he won't play in the playoffs for I don't know the reason.

[chaser15]

And Los Angeles Lakers have lost their chance for the playoffs officially after losing to Phoenix Suns by 121-110. Spurs continued to win and even defeated Denver Nuggets away in their last game. I think that this is definitely a deserved playoff ticket for them now. Lakers were already not deserving to qualify for it by that inadequate level of team play and performance. Lebron tried to carry the team during the whole regular season but it wasn't enough of course. Lakers shouldn't continue with the same lineup next season.

Lebron should not only be the one to carry the team, he is not the only superstar, he also has Westbrook who is also a hall famer. What they lack is the chemistry and some role players who can work with the system but their time is over, so maybe next season we won't see some of the players anymore because they will try to rebuild with no Westbrook probably.

It's fine for me to keep Westbrook since, in this team, he's not a ball hogger. They should trade instead those underperforming players in exchange for other good role players as you said. No need to be on the All-Star or Superstar level as long as those guys can cooperate with Lebron James and Anthony Davis.

Lebron still can carry a team until now and he just keeps on that while he can. His 30+ points average at that age is something we don't see regularly in other players. While he can still put up those numbers, just continue. He just needs a good backup and teammates.

See them next season, Los Angeles Lakers.

[Yaunfitda]

Looks like the Lakers released Trevor Ariza today.  I'm not sure why they had such high hopes of him making a difference when it was obvious while he was with the Suns that his career in the NBA should be over. 

He has been in the Lakers before, when Kobe was at his prime if I'm not mistaken. So it means that Ariza has been in the NBA for many years and we really don't understand why the management get him when he is injured and not even a contributing player this season.

A lot of talk about what the Lakers are going to do with Russell Westbrook has already started.  They're saying the Lakers may release him and take a 15 million dollar hit to their salary cap for the next 3 years, or they are now discussing a trade with Charlotte where Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier end up on the Lakers...  Not sure if that would be any better, but maybe they could trade them easier than Westbrook.  It would be great if LaMelo wanted to be a Laker and get himself in that trade, but I don't think the Hornets are going to let him go for anything.

Maybe the Lakers are going to offload Westbrook as long as other teams are willing to get him and hopefully this time, the Lakers will get some good players in exchange of Russ.

[danherbias07]

Nuggets won even with a bleeding Jokic and speaking of the soon-to-be MVP.
2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 500 assists. First player in NBA history who made a record like that in a single season.   Astonishing.
He does everything for the Nuggets team and plays almost every game of the season. 74 games played.
And more good news circling around about the return of Jamal Murray and according to NBA on TNT postgame show, it came from Coach Malone.
He "might" play in the playoffs.
Found this also on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/msinger/status/1512227656279859200?s=20&t=rmjj4r7r4BOkwXA-kgN7SA

Yes, that's Jamal.